Ep. 011: Get organised for my DREAM course with me
I’m starting my Masters programme in Magazine Journalism, my proudest and equally most daunting accomplishment to date. To ignore those pesky butterflies, here’s 10 things I’ll be doing to become Blair Waldorf style, Type-A Inspired, uber-hyper-organised for my first term!
Switching my S/S wardrobe to A/W
As the autumn leaves start to fall and Starbucks begins its Pumpkin Spice line, its time to switch out my wardrobe. After a gargantuan effort in removing unloved pieces from my wardrobe to send to charity, I finally have enough space to store my summer items and display my cosy ‘fits in all their glory. Preppy jumpers and knee-high boots, welcome home.
2. Creating an outfit plan
As much as I love trying out new combos with my wardrobe, the 8AM start is just not the time to be doing that. Cutting out some major decision fatigue by creating a weekly plan (subject to the Welsh weather of course) halves my getting ready time, and makes me feel super type-A organised. A/W Outfit ideas pending?!
3. Creating the perfect hair wash routine
I don’t want to brag, but I have a LOT of hair. As delightful as that might seem, long hair=hours of hair care. After analysing what works best for my locks, I have created a hair wash routine that coincides with a hair style routine. Not only does this mean I’m not caught in a greasy mess half way through the week, but also I get to push my boundaries and experiment with hairstyles that I wouldn’t normally try! Rule of thumb: Hair accessories are always chic.
4. Purchasing the essentials…
That is, new clothes, of course. A fresh pair of H&M ballet flats replace my very sad nude pair I’ve worn for years. A few new jumpers have been added to the collection, and I’m in the market for an oversized cardi that doesn’t irritate my eczema, a near impossible find!! (Keeping it real for my sensitive skin girlies). If you want to study like a Waldorf this term, looking the part is a major step.
5. Refreshing my old essentials
Let’s not forget that we’re still students, and an entire new wardrobe is just not feasible (yet). Instead, refreshing your timeless basics will give the same fresh look to your wardrobe!
I hate to break it to my minimalist, clean girl aesthetic girlies, but fun fashion is BACK, baby. The general consensus for A/W 2024 is to accessorise everything. My Longchamp has new handmade (ahem) bag charms, a la Jane Birkin. I have wrapped bows on pretty much everything I own. Oh, and you’ll never catch me without at least three pieces of chunky jewellery on this season.
6. Prepping for the course
Ah yes, almost forgot about actual studying!! I feel like I’m somewhat experienced in the September prep period after over a decade in education, so here are my general rules. Control self on the stationary aisle. You will end up only using half of it. I know, this is very difficult information. Instead, I treat myself to a fresh notebook, planner or pen, something to mark the new academic year without flooding my desk with yet more stationary. I’ve started to familiarise myself with the books on the course, and the IT systems etc.. Very mediocre stuff, but its so much better to do it now than be the only person in class who doesn’t have a clue on the first day!
7. Planning my week
By this I mean, what day is my reset day? When will I gym, food shop, socialise etc.. It’s a very loose plan that tends to focus after the first week or so of the course, when I can pinpoint when I’ll be tired, motivated, etc.. Make it gentle the first couple of weeks, ease yourself into a life of routine after the lazy days of summer.
8. Creating a meal plan
I actually hate doing this. My eating habits are very much intuitive, but if I don’t have some sort of plan, it’ll be an overpriced, unfulfilling meal deal for the next couple of months. No thanks. My breakfast options tend to be more structured than lunch, which usually consists of some sort of leftover from the evening prior (work smarter not harder ladies). Breakfast might be granola and yogurt, oats, fruit etc.. Experiment with one new recipe a week so as not to overwhelm yourself, and if its a success, add it to your repertoire!
9. Becoming mentally ready
The most important thing on my list. Picture yourself at the end of the year, celebrating your astounding results. All of those hours at the library, they have all paid off. It’s so close in the future, you can almost touch it. Capture this motivation for when it inevitably dips later in the term, whether that be through a journal entry, a video, motivational post it notes. Enjoy your last few days of r&r so you can fully absorb when you begin!
10. Creating my IT-Girl inspired list (tbc)
This is one of my favourite manifestation hacks! Creating an it-girl list of girls that inspire you, fictional or real, allows you to become a better version of yourself. Taking the very best bits of these girls, like Blair Waldorf’s academic drive, or Audrey Hepburn’s gracefulness, and adding those qualities to your own personality will instantly enhance you and fill you with confidence to beat those September Scaries!
Of course, always remember the most important it-girl is you, babe ;)
xoxo,
SheWroteHerTwenties
